Health Policy Profiles “Ones to Watch”: Where Are They Now? Sen. Roger Marshall

As August recess comes to an end, we’re excited to update you on the achievements and ongoing initiatives of Senator Roger “Doc” Marshall, a standout from CURA’s 2020 “Top 10 to Watch.”

Having first joined the GOP in the House of Representatives in 2017, Senator Marshall has emerged as a key voice in health care debates, tackling both high-profile issues like abortion rights and more politically agreeable reforms that would help reduce patient copays. His influence in health policy has grown steadily over nearly a decade.

Before you dive into his recent activities, be sure to check out our inaugural edition of our “HPP Ones to Watch: Where Are They Now?” series, which includes updates on Reps. Mace and Malliotakis.

Sen. Roger Marshall (R-KS)

“Being a physician who has also run a rural hospital before coming to Congress has given me a unique lens to address health care policy and propose pragmatic and effective solutions. My four pillars for reshaping health care policies have always focused on transparency, innovation, consumerism, and nutrition. With these pillars in mind, we’ve accelerated the development of tomorrow’s cures with the FDASLA Act [The Food and Drug Administration Safety and Landmark Advancements Act of 2022], improved our response to future public health crises with the PREVENT Pandemics Act, and advanced health care outcomes for new mothers. In crises, we put forth initiatives to stabilize vulnerable families’ access to infant formula and modernize prior authorization. Looking ahead, our team will continue fighting for transparent drug pricing, better access to care, and innovative policies at the FDA and Medicare.”
Senator Roger Marshall (R-KS)

Since joining the Senate in 2021, Senator Roger Marshall has stood out not only as one of four physicians in the chamber, but as the sole OB/GYN—an experience that led him to deliver over 5,000 babies in his 25+ year medical career. Beyond the clinic, his instinct to serve is evident—in 2019, Marshall “jumped into action” when an Amtrak train he was on derailed in Virginia, providing CPR and first aid to those in need.

In the Senate, Marshall wields his expertise on the influential Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) committee as the Ranking Member on the Subcommittee on Primary Health and Retirement Security, where he lends his voice to some of the most pressing and controversial health policy discussions. He’s also a key player in the Senate GOP Doctors Caucus and the Congressional Rare Disease Caucus.

Notably, Marshall has been heavily involved in issues around the COVID-19 pandemic, having backed critical relief measures like the CARES Act and HEALS Act, while also making headlines for taking hydroxychloroquine as a preventive treatment—a stance not endorsed by mainstream medical organizations. A vocal critic of China’s role in the pandemic, Senator Marshall has questioned the virus’s origins—whether it emerged from a Wuhan market or bio-research lab—and pushed to block federal funds for COVID tests produced in China. As the pandemic has receded, Marshall has focused on long COVID, emerging as an informed leader on the issue, citing a personal connection.

During his time in the Senate, Marshall has sponsored a variety of legislation, including bills that would:

Work to establish guidance on the usage of non-addictive painkillers for chronic pain
Require publication of relevant HHS materials relating to COVID-19 origins
Restrict access to gender-affirming care
Combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria
Restrict the ability of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) to raise consumer drug prices, including by requiring rebates and other cost-assistance measures to be passed along to patients
Increase access to biosimilars for patients
Restrict research funding for institutions performing “Gain-of-function” research
Improve care for seniors by increasing access to timely care and providing information about the challenges Medicare Advantage beneficiaries experience
Extend market exclusivity for certain new drugs
Improve communication in public health preparedness and response by designating regional academic and medical centers as research and communication hubs
Prohibit federal funds dedicated to the COVID-19 response to be used for abortions

Additionally, Senator Marshall cosponsored legislation to:

Permanently extend COVID-era telehealth flexibilities
Expand newborn screening for congenital conditions
Prohibit fees on electronic fund transfers and health care payment and remittance advice transactions
Extend research programs for Alzheimer’s and other dementias
Reauthorize grants for children’s emergency medicine
Expand mental health resources forh ealth care professionals
Continue government grants for water fluoridation for dental care and expand access to dental coverage
Prohibit use of federal funds for COVID tests manufactured in China
Prohibit finalization of HHS rules requiring minimum staffing levels for nursing facilities to relieve rural providers
Address the primary care workforce shortage among nurses, doctors, and other providers by increasing funding for community health centers, the National Health Service Corps, and Teaching Health Centers
Prohibit mask mandates on airplanes or public transit
Improve data collection on stillbirths
Prevent HHS from discriminating against States, individuals, or other entities for refusing to counsel or refer for abortions

As we wrap up this update on Senator Roger Marshall’s journey from our 2020 “Top 10 to Watch,” it’s clear that his impact on health policy continues to grow. From his involvement in the COVID-19 debate to his legislative efforts on pain management, drug pricing, and health care access, Marshall has established himself as a leader within the conservative movement while partnering with Democratic colleagues to move forward bipartisan solutions.

We’re excited to see Senator Marshall and the rest of Congress get back to work (briefly) in September before taking October off for campaigning.

We’re wishing all of the advocates in the CURA universe the best as you continue working to advance your 2024 legislative priorities before the end of the year.